Mark 4.26-30

PARABLE OF THE PATIENT FARMER

(Mark 4.26-30)

The early disciples were often disappointed as they went about their ministry, after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. After all, some had left well paid jobs, when Jesus invited them to follow him. Did not Jesus proclaim the ushering in of a new age of the reign of God upon earth? They had therefore thrown in their lot with Jesus, and naturally expected mighty things to happen.

Yet, little appeared to have changed. The Jewish nation was still under the yoke of the Roman Government. Evil and injustice still appeared to flourish. The people were still burdened down by keeping the Jewish law. And although many had come to hear Jesus, some out of curiosity, and others to take advantage of his healing powers, few followed Jesus.

It was against such a background of anticipating growing restlessness; of questioning of their own beliefs, and impatience with the lack of progress, that Jesus prepared his disciples by telling them the parable of the Patient Farmer.

‘The kingdom of God is like this. A man scatters seed in his field. He goes to sleep at night and is up and about during the day. All the while, the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet he does not know how it is happening. The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit; first the tender stalk appears, then the ear, and finally the ear full of corn. When the corn is ripe, the man starts cutting it with a sickle because harvest time has come’. [ Mark 4.26-30]

As I have said before, Jesus sought to make one point and one point only, in the telling of his parables. So, what then is the point Jesus is seeking to make? It is surely this - the seed grows without effort on the part of the farmer. The farmer plants and the farmer harvests. The earth produces of itself.

The parable is as relevant for us today, as it was for the early disciples. It reminds us of the eternal truth that numerical growth of a congregation, as well as spiritual growth of one's soul is the activity of God. Work hard for God - yes. But leave the results to him. Success is in his hands and not ours.

One of the oldest heresies is that called 'Pelagianism'. It maintains that man can save himself through his own efforts, rather than gladly accepting God's free and undeserved gift of Grace.

Alas, so much effort is misdirected in the life of the church of today in trying to do the work, which is the prerogative of God. Such a response arises from a lack of faith in the power of God, and probably through our impatience.

We therefore do well to meditate upon the faith and patience of the farmer in our moments of disappointment.